Not everyone thinks of cupcakes when preparing a wine list. Yet it can become possible if you choose the right wines. It has been a couple of years since we did this with the Cupcake Sisters. Cupcake baker, Candi Elm suggested we get together to give it a fresh look, or taste, as may be the case. Besides the regular cupcakes, her Candiland Dessert Company offers options to people who have food allergies such as to wheat, dairy or sugar. One can even request the Gluten Free option along with the choice to have no refined sugar. The little cakes are quite good, though pairing them with wines is not easy. I’ve suggested three completely different white and blush wines for the Vanilla Bean with Strawberry Frosting cupcake, and the same with the red wines to accompany the Chocolate Espresso cupcake. This is the kind of event where opinions diverge greatly, yet all will agree is a truly fun experience. Besides, serious wine tastings can be a bore after a while.

2008 VINEHILL WINERY CHARDONNAY, CLEMENTS RIDGE VINEYARDList price 16.00; our price 9.99Vine Hill has a history going back to the days of early California statehood. The Vine Hill District in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA was established in April, 1867, and has seen ownership by the likes of David Bruce and the Smothers Brothers. The Chardonnay from this area typically shows apple and nectarine in the mouth, has good body, a long finish and will stand up to a surprising number of dishes and, we shall see, cupcakes.

2009 OPOLO VINEYARDS VIOGNIER, CENTRAL COASTList price 19.95; our price 14.99A concentration of tropical fruit leads on the palate. The wine shows apricot, Crenshaw melon, pineapple, and papaya and a viscous mouth-feel that lingers for a rich long finish. All of this concentrated fruit is accented with a touch of exotic spiciness that highlights the richness of the wine and leaves a clean and refreshing impression on the palate. It works well with Indian and Thai foods and can be enjoyed with rich foods and ripe cheeses; or try it with cupcakes.

GRANDIAL ROSÉ SPARKLING WINE, LANGUEDOC, FRANCEList price 11.95; our price 9.99This lovely pink wine has a very delicate fresh floral scent. It is only slightly sweet which plays against a mild acid. The bubbles are very fine and the wine is in balance. It is suitable as an apéritif, with fruit salads or desserts.

2010 JEAN ORLIAC LE LOUP DANS LA BERGERIE, VIN DE PAYS, FRANCEList price 12.00; our price 9.99The blend in this no-wooded wine is 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot and 30% Grenache. Le Loup dans la Bergerie translates to “the wolf in the sheep house”. The idea for this wine’s name came from the three children of Jean Orliac. As kids they would scare each other by telling stories in which a wolf would sneak in and attack their sheep.

2008 MANKAS HILLS VYDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CONTADO MANKAS, SUISUN VALLEYList price 18.00; our price 14.75Mankas is a family-owned vineyard and winery located in the upper Suisun Valley, just a few miles east of the southern slopes of the Napa Valley. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon shows black cherries and plums blended with currant, cassis and blueberries while harmonizing with caramel, figs, vanilla and toasted oak tones. Silky and peppery tannins combine in a generous body and lead to a long and elegant finish.